Music
There are a variety of organisations and charities that can help introduce music to your child or offer help and advice on adapting sheet music.
There are a variety of organisations and charities that can help introduce music to your child or offer help and advice on adapting sheet music.
The Amber Trust
The Amber Trust was created to help blind and partially sighted children, who have a talent or a love for music. Music really is of special importance to these children. For some, learning to play an instrument or to sing, or simply being able to go to a concert, can add immeasurably to their lives. For others, many of whom have severe learning difficulties, music therapy may offer a lifeline, helping them to reach out in a dark and confusing world.
Amber Music Awards can help in a variety of ways:
- Music lessons
- Music therapy sessions
- Musical instruments
- Music software, such as Sibelius
- Concert tickets
- Travel related to musical activities
Phone: 0300 323 9964
Post: The Amber Trust, 64a Princes Way, London, SW19 6JF.
Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy
Nordoff Robbins is the largest independent music therapy charity in the UK. At Nordoff Robbins, we celebrate the connection and joy music can bring to those with life-limiting illnesses, physical disabilities or emotional challenges. We support thousands of people through our own centres and by working in over 150 partnerships with a wide range of organisations including care homes, schools and hospitals.
Email: musicservicesadmin@nordoff-robbins.org.uk
Phone: 020 7267 4496
Post: Nordoff Robbins Centre, 2 Lissenden Gardens, London NW5 1PQ
RNIB Music Advisory Service
www.rnib.org.uk/information-everyday-living-home-and-leisure-music/music-awards-and-funding
They support people with sight difficulties in any aspect of making music through individual advice and support, as well as their friends, family members and professionals.
They can provide help with:
- Finding braille music
- Buying and loaning music from RNIB
- Music education
- Employment within the music sector
- Music events
- Music events for children, sometimes with their families, often in collaboration with other musical organisations
The RNIB have a great page which has a number of charitable organisations which provide Music Awards and Funding towards different aspects of developing musical talent:
If you would like to contact the RNIB’s Music Advisory Service:
Email: mas@rnib.org.uk
Telephone: 0207 391 2273
ABRSM Braille Exam pieces for piano and flute
gb.abrsm.org/en/exam-booking/specific-needs/braille-files-for-flute-exam-pieces-2018-2021
ABRSM is the UK’s largest music education body, one of the largest music publishers and the world’s leading provider of music exams, holding over 650,000 assessments in more than 90 countries every year. As a registered charity, ABRSM make significant donations towards music education initiatives around the world.
The RSBC Creative Group
rsbc.org.uk/advice/what-we-do/creative-group
The RSBC Creative Group is a free London-based group, open to blind and partially sighted young people aged 11-25 with a passion for all things creative. As part of the group, you meet new people and enjoy learning new musical and creative skills together. You’ll also have the chance to join in with one of their regular live performances. For more information or to join, visit the website.
Drake Music
Drake Music are leaders in music, disability and technology. They believe that everyone has the right to express themselves creatively through music. They use new technologies and ideas to open up access to music for all. They offer music lessons, training, support and more.
Lux and Louise – multilingual songbook for visually impaired children
Lux and Louise have produced a multilingual children’s songbook (Dutch, English, French, and German) for blind children exposing them to other languages from an early age and allowing them to explore this world independently. The songs have been recorded and are available on YouTube and Spotify. They have developed an ‘inclusive’ book by printing in black and in braille and adding visual and tactile illustrations.
Help Musicians UK
Help Musicians UK is the leading UK charity for professional musicians of all genres, from starting out through to retirement.
They help at times of crisis, but also at times of opportunity, giving people the extra support they need at a crucial stage that could make or break their career. They offer practical, positive support to emerging, professional and retired musicians – whatever the genre. Specifically, they help emerging professionals to develop their talent and get started in a professional career.
Address: 7 – 11 Britannia Street, London, WC1X 9JS
Telephone: 020 7239 9100
Email: info@helpmusicians.org.uk
